1/15/17 1/15/17

Cuisine Classique Booth at 2017 Epcot Festival of the Arts

*This dining experience took place in January 2017.

For all Festival of the Arts Gluten Free food studios options, be sure to click over to the food studios booth page for more info.

Located near the Germany Pavilion is Cuisine Classique, another food studios booth that has two dishes that are listed as gluten friendly. The Red Snapper dish offered there sounded interesting, so we decided to check it out.Because this booth is NOT 100% gluten free, there is always an increased risk of cross-contamination. Use your own judgement when consuming items that are not in dedicated gluten free booths. Please note that there are no 100% gluten free booths at this year’s Festival of the Arts.The Seared Red Snapper with braised Ratatouille and Lemon-Thyme Beurre Blanc is marked gluten free friendly; however, it does contain dairy. The Lemon-Thyme Beurre Blanc is made with butter. Because I've been re-introducing a bit of dairy back into my diet, I didn't check to see if the snapper could be made dairy free by omitting the sauce. I will double-check on my next visit and update the information here.The snapper itself was really well-cooked and not overly done. I will say that the fish was a bit salty, but otherwise, the tastes were very mild but flavorful. I wasn't as keen on the ratatouille which just didn't seem to be as balanced of a side dish as I would have liked. It was fine, but nothing special.The wine I ordered was the Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva Art Series -- a red wine that was extremely robust. It didn't pair well at all with the fish (the only other offerings were beer, which is not gluten free), and the wine itself just was a bit too strong for my tastes. I enjoy a hearty red on occasion but this one just didn't taste good to me. I'd skip it if I visited the booth again.Overall, I thought the offerings at the Cuisine Classique booth were just OK. I liked the snapper, but I'm not sure I liked it enough to order it again -- especially when I love the offerings at other booths, like Pop Eats!.What do you think of the menu offerings at the Cuisine Classique booth? What would you order?

1/15/17 1/15/17

Pop Eats! Booth at 2017 Epcot Festival of the Arts

*This dining experience took place in January 2017.

For all Festival of the Arts Gluten Free food studios options, be sure to click over to the food studios booth page for more info.

I have to admit that of all the Epcot Festival of the Arts booths this year, the one I've been most looking forward to is the Pop Eats! booth. Of the food items served there, three dishes are listed as gluten friendly. The two main dishes both looked amazing, and I knew that this had to be one of the first booths I visited.Because this booth is NOT 100% gluten free, there is always an increased risk of cross-contamination. Use your own judgement when consuming items that are not in dedicated gluten free booths. Please note that there are no 100% gluten free booths at this year's Festival of the Arts.The first dish that I tried was the Shrimp Ceviche with Lime Mint Foam along with the Cloudem Silver Sparkling Wine. The ceviche is both gluten free and dairy free, which probably makes it one of the few gluten free and dairy free items at the festival, which seems very dairy heavy this year.I was very impressed with the ceviche. It was simple, but the lime mint foam added a bit of extra flavor to the already citrus filled ceviche. There were decent chunks of shrimp in the dishes. My only complain is that there was a lot of liquid in it, which make it a bit soupy at the end. Still, a very solid dish that was simple and perfect for a warm day.The Cloudem Silver Sparkling Wine was outstanding. It literally shimmered like silver and while it looked a bit thick, the wine itself was a normal texture and tasted great. I'd definitely get this wine again. It just felt fancy!So far, my favorite dish of the festival has to be the Sous Vide Venison with Butternut Squash Purée, Pomegranate Reduction, Pickled Turnip and Juniper Berry Powder. It is marked gluten friendly, but i did not check to see if this dish had dairy in it (I believe it does in the butternut squash puree, but will check on the next visit to confirm).Both Brandon and I got this dish, and we were both blown away by the flavors. The venison was a very generous portion and the flavors were just outstanding. The venison didn't taste overly gamey and the meat was super tender. All of the accompaniments went really well with it too. It seriously makes me want to get a sous vide machine for home!This dish is definitely one I'll be getting at least one more time. We both were super impressed by the quality, size, and presentation of the dish too. It just looked pretty!Overall, the Pop Eats! booth is my favorite booth of the festival so far offering several gluten free friendly options and delicious flavors. It's going to be a repeat visit booth for sure!What do you think of the menu items at the Pop Eats! booth? What would you order if you visited it?

1/8/17 1/8/17

2017 Epcot International Festival of the Arts Vegetarian and Vegan Offerings

The Epcot International Festival of the Arts is a brand new event coming to Epcot in January 2017. Beginning on January 13, 2017, the Festival of the Arts will take place Fridays through Mondays until February 20, 2017 and will focus on three artistic disciplines: Visual, Culinary, and the Performing Arts. So, you’ll get a lot of chance to enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes throughout the festival.With that in mind, the festival will include the Food Studios with several food and beverage booths, very similar to the ones at the Food & Wine Festival and Flower & Garden Festival.Here is a listing of the current gluten free menu items with prices and Disney Dining Plan Snack eligibility based on information from my personal visits to the Epcot Food & Wine Festival along with info from the Disney Food Blog.Please note this is NOT the Gluten Free (and other special dietary needs) List. Please check the blog’s Gluten Free Festival of the Arts Gluten Free Food Offerings page for more info on those dishes.

Make sure to click on the individual pages for each booth to see food photos and find out more information.

I’ve indicated known special dietary needs (at this time). This list will change as more information is gathered.*Note: Menus are subject to change, as is any information regarding ingredients, cross-contamination, and other special dietary needs ingredients. Always consult with the Disney culinary team for more information before consuming. Use caution when consuming any food from Food Studios booths, as there is an increased risk of cross-contamination. Food Studios booths do not adhere to Disney’s traditional special dietary needs accommodations, particularly for allergies and/or celiac disease.E=AT²

Figment White Chocolate Art Painting with Chocolate Easel – $7.00, DDP Snack Eligible – Vegetarian (also Gluten Free)
White Chocolate Mickey Puzzle with Artist Palette – $6.50, DDP Snack Eligible – Vegetarian (also Gluten Free)

Masterpiece Kitchen

Wild Mushroom Risotto, Aged Parmesan, Truffle Shavings and Zinfandel Reduction – $9.00 – Vegetarian
White Chocolate Puzzle on an Artist Palette – $6.50, DDP Snack Eligible – Vegetarian (also Gluten Free)
Mickey and Pluto White Chocolate Painting with Chocolate Easel – $7.00, DDP Snack Eligible – Vegetarian (also Gluten Free)

Painter’s Palate

Margherita Flatbread with Basil Pesto and Balsamic Drizzle – $6.50, DDP Snack Eligible – Vegetarian
White Chocolate Figment Puzzle served on an Artist Palette – $6.50, DDP Snack Eligible – Vegetarian (also Gluten Free)
Mary Blair White Chocolate Art Painting with Chocolate Easel – $7.00, DDP Snack Eligible – Vegetarian (also Gluten Free)
Pop’t Art: Abstract Designed Sugar Cookie with Chocolate Hazelnut Filling – $4.00, DDP Snack Eligible – Vegetarian

Pop Eats!

Pop’t Art: Modern-design Sugar Cookie with Chocolate Hazelnut Filling – $4.00, DDP Snack Eligible – Vegetarian
Almond Frangipane Cake layered with Raspberry Jam and Chocolate – $4.25, DDP Snack Eligible – Vegetarian
Goofy White Chocolate Puzzle – $6.50, DDP Snack Eligible – Vegetarian (also Gluten-Free)

Stay tuned to sources like the Disney Food Blog and here on Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW for the latest 2017 Epcot International Festival of the Arts news!What are you most looking forward to this year at the Festival of the Arts?

1/8/17 1/8/17

2017 Epcot International Festival of the Arts Gluten Free Offerings

The Epcot International Festival of the Arts is a brand new event coming to Epcot in January 2017. Beginning on January 13, 2017, the Festival of the Arts will take place Fridays through Mondays until February 20, 2017 and will focus on three artistic disciplines: Visual, Culinary, and the Performing Arts. So, you'll get a lot of chance to enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes throughout the festival.With that in mind, the festival will include the Food Studios with several food and beverage booths, very similar to the ones at the Food & Wine Festival and Flower & Garden Festival.Here is a listing of the current gluten free menu items with prices and Disney Dining Plan Snack eligibility based on information from my personal visits to the Epcot Food & Wine Festival along with info from the Disney Food Blog.

Make sure to click on the individual pages for each booth to see food photos and find out more information.

Seared Red Snapper with braised Ratatouille and Lemon-Thyme Beurre Blanc – $7.50, DDP Snack Eligible – Gluten-Free
Port Wine Poached Pear, Vanilla Panna Cotta and Pistachio Crumbs – $6.00, DDP Snack Eligible – Gluten-Free

E=AT²

Cobb Salad with Smoked Duck Breast, Avocado Mousse, Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Bacon and Blue Cheese – $7.50, DDP Snack Eligible – Gluten-Free
Figment White Chocolate Art Painting with Chocolate Easel – $7.00, DDP Snack Eligible – Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
White Chocolate Mickey Puzzle with Artist Palette – $6.50, DDP Snack Eligible – Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

Masterpiece Kitchen

White Chocolate Puzzle on an Artist Palette – $6.50, DDP Snack Eligible – Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Mickey and Pluto White Chocolate Painting with Chocolate Easel – $7.00, DDP Snack Eligible – Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

Painter’s Palate

White Chocolate Figment Puzzle served on an Artist Palette – $6.50, DDP Snack Eligible – Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Mary Blair White Chocolate Art Painting with Chocolate Easel – $7.00, DDP Snack Eligible – Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

Pop Eats!

Shrimp Ceviche with Lime Mint Foam – $6.00, DDP Snack Eligible – Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Sous Vide Venison with Butternut Squash Purée, Pomegranate Reduction, Pickled Turnip and Juniper Berry Powder – $7.50, DDP Snack Eligible – Gluten-Free
Goofy White Chocolate Puzzle – $6.50, DDP Snack Eligible – Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

The Artist’s Table

Pan-Seared Scallop with Chorizo, Roasted Red Pepper Coulis and a Parmesan Crisp – $6.25, DDP Snack Eligible – Gluten-Free

11/14/16 11/14/16

Chef Tony Marotta Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! Culinary Demonstration -- 2016 Food & Wine Festival

*This culinary demonstration took place on October 18, 2016. Guests attending culinary demonstrations with a special diet should contact WDW’s Special Diets Department in advance.Disney's Epcot Food & Wine Festival always offers new and interesting culinary experiences for guests, and each year, it seems like there's a new demo or meal offering. This year, Disney introduced a new culinary demo series called, "Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It!" which offered guests a chance to work with a chef to create a recipe highlighted by the chef.I've previously been to some of the more basic culinary demonstrations, which include a food sample and a wine sample, but this sounded like a fun experience. The "Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It!" demos took place daily from 4-5 p.m. at the Festival Center, Chef's Showcase. Tickets were $49 per person, tax included.On this particular occasion, Brandon and I had gone to Chef Kevin Dundon's culinary demo during the Epcot 2016 Food & Wine Festival at 2 p.m. and then ended up going to Chef Tony Marotta's "Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It!" at 4 p.m. So, it was all cooking all day!Chef Tony is the head chef at Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort (home to the amazing gluten free & allergy friendly beignets), so it's no surprise that his dish for the day was decidedly New Orleans inspired.We would be creating our very own New Orleans Style Cobb Salad. Plus, as we learned, we'd get to make our own blackening seasoning and even got to take it home. (Yes, I'll totally be recreating this dish on My Gluten Free Disney Kitchen!).Here are some video highlights from the demo:We had everything we needed to create our own custom salads. This made it easy, as the cheese could omitted with no worries, and any allergy offending ingredients could be switched too.The culinary team even went above and beyond to make sure all the guests attending the demo had what they needed and that any modifications could be made. Since everything was pre-packaged, that was really easy!Brandon is allergic to fish and shellfish, so the team swapped out his shrimp for more chicken.First up, Chef Tony showed us how to make our seasoning mix and walked us through how we would season and cook our protein. He then showed us how to make our own salad dressing, giving us the option to customize our recipe every step of the way.On a side note, I loved the New Orleans flare in every part of the demo, including the beads we had on the table!As you can see from my completed salad above, I chose add lots of chicken, shrimp, ham, and avocado to my salad. Topped with our homemade dressing, it was a huge hit. Even Brandon, who is not a big salad fan, said this was really good.As a demo take-away, we received a copy of the recipe (which I'll be sharing here on the blog soon!), our own custom blackening seasoning, and a really lovely small Epcot Food & Wine Festival cutting board. How cool is that? For $49, this was definitely a nice touch.Overall, we had a great time and enjoyed the small atmosphere. The seating for these demos are very limited, and I would say there were about 14 of us in total. It gave us a lot of time to interact with Chef Tony and ask any questions we wanted about the dish. Plus, on the way out, we had to take a photo with the Chef himself!If you have a special dietary need, I would definitely recommend contacting Disney's Special Diets Department in advance to discuss any needs. Many of the Disney chefs are very attune to making allergy friendly meals and often make their dishes during the festival allergy friendly or easily modified, which is great. Chef Tony and his team did an awesome job with our salad options!Here's the full 2016 Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! Schedule including other allergy friendly demos, such as the one from Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC, so you can see what types of demos might be available. Only time will tell if this series was successful enough to be a repeat in 2017. I do hope it does because we had a great time at it!A special thanks to Chef Tony for making a gluten free and dairy free friendly dish!

11/10/16 11/10/16

Chef Kevin Dundon Culinary Demonstration — 2016 Food & Wine Festival

*This culinary demonstration took place on October 18, 2016. This does not reflect a typical culinary demo experience at Food & Wine as I was able to connect with the Raglan Road staff ahead of time. Guests attending culinary demonstrations with a special diet should contact WDW’s Special Diets Department in advance.I'm a huge fan of the Epcot Food & Wine Festival culinary demonstration series. Offering a small taste of a dish and a glass of wine, these culinary demos feature chefs from the Walt Disney World Resort, as well as celebrity chefs, whipping up their favorite dishes -- all at a reasonable cost (typically, $15 a person).I try to go to at least a few demos each year, and I specifically look forward to the ones featuring Chef Kevin Dundon from Raglan Road Irish Pub in Disney Springs. Chef Kevin brings such fun and excitement to his demos, and even better, because I'm a repeat guest each year, I'm lucky enough to be able to connect with Chef Kevin and the team at Raglan Road about gluten free options.This year, Chef Kevin went above and beyond, making me a gluten free version of his lamb pie. How cool is that? My dish was brought to me separately by one of the Disney cast members, and I checked in about one hour prior to connect with them and to figure out the easiest spot for me to sit for them to identify me when it came time to serve the food.Here are some video highlights of Chef Kevin Dundon's culinary demo that we went to.As you can see from the demo, Chef Kevin is passionate about fresh, simple ingredients. He's also a huge adovcate for celiac disease and those with gluten sensitivity. I'm always impressed with how knowledgeable he is and how he incorporates accommodating special dietary needs into his restaurants.My lamb pie was presented to me with a mint pea puree and some fresh greens. Made with a gluten free puff pastry dough (which I wish I could find easily in stores!), the lamb pie was full of rich flavor.Inside there was plenty of lamb and vegetables like celery root, carrots, and celery. The flavors were rich, but not overpowering, and total comfort food. In fact, I loved it so much that I told Chef Kevin I'd love to see it on their menu as an option for gluten free guests. It was that good!Brandon had the gluten-filled version and also said it was really good.The neat part about this demo is that because Chef Kevin knew I was there, he demonstrated how to make both the gluten-filled version and gluten free version on stage. He even had gluten free puff pastry on hand.Afterwards, I got a chance to chat with Chef Kevin, and of course, take a photo. I can't thank Chef Kevin Dundon enough for all that he does to make amazing gluten free food at his restaurants (thank goodness for gluten free fish & chips at Raglan Road!), and for giving me a special culinary demo experience at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival.His demos are always fun, and he always has surprises up his sleeve (like the time he brought me up on stage back in 2013!). If you're every curious about these demos and have special dietary needs, I recommend contacting Disney's Special Diets Department prior to your visit for questions and concerns.A special thanks to Chef Kevin, the Raglan Road team, and the cast members who made my visit extra special.

11/10/16 11/10/16

Africa Marketplace Booth at 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival

*This dining experience took place in October 2016.

For Food & Wine Festival Gluten Free marketplace booth options, be sure to click over to the marketplace booth page for more info.

The Africa marketplace booth has been around since 1997 at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and, believe it or not, has been one that I've actually never visited. They usually have at least one gluten free option (but it almost always contains dairy). This year, there is one dish listed as gluten free.Because this booth is NOT 100% gluten free, there is always an increased risk of cross-contamination. Use your own judgement when consuming items that are not in dedicated gluten free booths (this year only Brazil and the Greenhouse Guru have entirely gluten free food items).The Berbere-Style Beef Tenderloin Tips served with onions, jalapenos, tomato, and pap is a marked as gluten friendly. I decided to try this dish with the recommended wine pairing, the Simonsig Pinotage, a hearty red wine. Alexis from Alexis's Gluten Free Adventures recommended this when she tried the dish back in 2014 (you can read her full review on her blog).Overall, I thought this dish was good, but wasn't as amazing as the dishes from the Greenhouse Guru, my favorite booth of the festival (that is entirely made of gluten friendly items). The beef was a bit spicy, so if you're not a fan of spice, I would skip this dish. I would also warn against tough meat. My beef was really fatty and tough, not exactly tender like I expected it to be.I don't think Africa will be a repeat booth for me, but I'm glad I tried the dish. It was good, but definitely not as delicious as some of the other festival offerings.What do you think of the Africa Marketplace Booth? Would you try the Berbere-style Beef?

9/26/16 9/26/16

Patagonia Marketplace Booth at 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival

*This dining experience took place in September 2016.

For Food & Wine Festival Gluten Free marketplace booth options, be sure to click over to the marketplace booth page for more info.

Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDWThe Patagonia marketplace booth at the 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival has been one of my favorite repeat booths at the festival for several years. I've been a fan of the Verlasso Salmon dish at the Patagonia booth and have to stop several times every year to get it. This year, there are two dishes listed as gluten free.Because this booth is NOT 100% gluten free, there is always an increased risk of cross-contamination. Use your own judgement when consuming items that are not in dedicated gluten free booths (this year only Brazil and the Greenhouse Guru have entirely gluten free food items).The Roasted Verlasso salmon with quinoa salad and arugula chimichurri is both gluten free and dairy free. Though, I do sometimes find that the salmon is a bit overcooked, the combination of flavors is a winner to me every time. The quinoa salad is always nice, but the real star of this dish is the chimichurri! They were pretty heavy-handed with the chimichurri when I visited, and I'm OK with that!The salmon also paired really well with the Malbec on the menu. If you like red wines, this was definitely a great one.Brandon also got the Grilled beef skewer with chimichurri sauce and boniato purée. This dish is gluten free but does contain dairy. I tried this last year and really loved it, and Brandon said this is so far his favorite dish of the festival.Overall, we'll be back again to the Patagonia booth. Every I know enjoys at least one of the options here, and it's definitely a repeat booth every Epcot Food & Wine Festival season.What do you think of the Patagonia Marketplace Booth? What dish do you want to try?

9/26/16 9/26/16

Best of the Epcot Food & Wine Festival: Top 10 Favorite Gluten Free Dishes

With the 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival under way, I thought it might be nice to rank my “Best of” dishes from this year’s festival. Of course, food preferences and “best of” lists are subjective. These are my personal favorites. Not all dishes listed are gluten free and dairy free, but I will list when they are.So, prepare to be hungry by the time you finish reading this list. Here are my Top 10 gluten free dishes from the 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival.

For all Food & Wine Festival Gluten Free marketplace booth options, be sure to click over to the marketplace booth page for more info.

*Note: Menus are subject to change, as is any information regarding ingredients, cross-contamination, and other special dietary needs ingredients. Always consult with the Disney culinary team for more information before consuming. Use caution when consuming any food from marketplace booths, as there is an increased risk of cross-contamination. Marketplace booths do not adhere to Disney’s traditional special dietary needs accommodations, particularly for allergies and/or celiac disease. 10. Grilled sweet and spicy bush berry shrimp with pineapple, peppers, onions, and snap peas – $5.00, DDP Snack Eligible – Gluten Free, Dairy Free

Australia Marketplace Booth

This repeat dish from the Australia Marketplace Booth is a great gluten free and dairy free option. A little sweet and a little spicy, I especially like the grilled shrimp and pineapple in this dish. A word of caution, this dish is spicier than it might seem, so having a bottle of water handy is a good idea. It’s also a bit messy, so make sure to have some napkins on hand too. But, no matter how messy you get, this dish will definitely make you want to say, “Put another shrimp on the barbie!”9. Warm chocolate pudding with Irish Cream Liqueur Custard – $3.75, DDP Snack Eligible –Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Ireland Marketplace Booth

This chocolate dessert featured in the Ireland Marketplace Booth is a classic Irish dessert all the way. More of a flourless chocolate cake than what we as Americans would call “pudding,” it’s rich and decadent. And, it’s made even better with Irish Cream Liqueur Custard, which adds a perfect touch to the full chocolate full in the pudding. Do note that this dish is served in a booth where everything else contains gluten, so always check with a cast member before consuming.8. Mojo Pork with Black Beans, Cilantro Rice, and Pickled Red Onions – $4.25, DDP Snack Eligible – Gluten Free, Dairy Free

Islands of the Caribbean Marketplace Booth

New to the festival this year is the Islands of the Caribbean Marketplace Booth, and they have one gluten free and dairy free dish – the Mojo Pork. I love all things pork, so you know that I had to try it. While I prefer the pork dish at the Brazil Marketplace Booth, I found the Mojo Pork a substantial portion with full, bright flavors. The black beans featured here have more of a vinegar punch to them, and combined with the pickled red onions, the flavors really pop. Perfect with a frozen mojito!7. Liquid Nitro Chocolate Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey Caramel – $4.50, DDP Snack Eligible – Gluten Free

The Chocolate Studio Marketplace Booth

Looking for a dessert that’s ooey goey and totally unique? You have to get this dessert from the Chocolate Studio Marketplace Booth. It’s a showstopper, as it’s frozen in liquid nitrogen and served immediately. With such a unique presentation, you can see why this dish is a repeat offering from last year’s festival. There’s almost an ice cream-like texture to the truffle, and the warm whiskey caramel makes it a decadent and rich dessert. Order the booth’s featured sparkling wine for the perfect pairing.6. Roasted Verlasso salmon with quinoa salad and arugula chimichurri – $5.50, DDP Snack Eligible – Gluten Free, Dairy Free

Patagonia Marketplace Booth

It’s salmon and chimichurri. What’s not to love? The combination of flavors in this gluten free and dairy free dish at the Patagonia Marketplace Booth are outstanding. The salmon pairs perfectly with the quinoa, corn, and peppers, and the chimichurri really makes the dish. If you like bright, herby, clean flavors, you’ll be wowed by this salmon dish. It’s been a festival favorite for me for the past several years and a dish I get multiple times throughout the festival.5. Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, and Tomato – $5.50, DDP Snack Eligible – Gluten Free, Dairy Free

Brazil Marketplace Booth

People either seem to love or hate pork belly, but I’m totally of the mind that pork belly rules. This festival favorite has been at the Brazil Marketplace Booth for several years and continues to wow guests. Though people often report inconsistency on pork belly texture, I've had really good experiences. When it's perfectly crispy pork belly, the combination of flavors and textures between the pork, the black beans, and tomatoes are incredible. Get it with the Brazilian Cheese Bread, another gluten free festival favorite at this booth.4. Grilled beef skewer with chimichurri sauce and boniato purée – $5.75, DDP Snack Eligible – Gluten Free

Patagonia Marketplace Booth

Like the salmon with chimichurri, you just can't go wrong with anything covered in this herby sauce. If you're more of a beef person, the grilled beef skewer at the Patagonia Marketplace Booth is the way to go. Tender and delicious and topped with Chimichurri and finished with a side of boniato puree, it's a meat and potatoes lover's dream. As Brandon put it, he could have eaten one or four of these servings -- it's that good!3. Red Wine Chocolate Truffle – $2.25, DDP Snack Eligible – Gluten Free, Vegetarian

The Chocolate Studio Marketplace Booth

There's chocolate and then, there's Red Wine Chocolate Truffles, which take chocolate to a whole new level. The Chocolate Studio offers this red wine infused truffle, which is rich and decadent and pairs really well with a nice cabernet sauvignon, which is exactly how I enjoyed it when I got it. Some might find the red wine a bit overpowering, or the dish to be just boring, but I don't think you can go wrong with this classic pairing.2. Chilled Tomato Gazpacho with Lump Crab Meat – $4.50, DDP Snack Eligible – Gluten Free, Dairy Free

Greenhouse Guru Marketplace Booth

If you're visiting the Epcot Food & Wine Festival on a hot day, you simply have to get the tomato gazpacho with crab at the Greenhouse Guru Marketplace Booth. It's gluten free and dairy fee, but you'd swear there was dairy in it with all the rich flavors. The tomato flavor is present but not the only taste you get. The added crab on top absolutely makes this dish. Even better, it comes a booth that only serves items that are naturally gluten free!1. Duck Confit with Creamy Polenta and Fire-roasted Salsa – $5.25, DDP Snack Eligible –Gluten Free

GREENHOUSE GURU MARKETPLACE BOOTH

Hands down, the best dish I've had at the 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival is the Duck Confit at the Greenhouse Guru Marketplace Booth. What a surprise this was! I'm not usually a duck fan, but I found this duck to be tender, mild flavored and rich. The combination of duck, creamy polenta, and fire roasted salsa was delicious. It's a dish that I definitely will get again and again this festival.What dishes are you looking forward to trying at the festival? Did I miss your favorite dish?

9/17/16 9/17/16

Ireland Marketplace Booth at 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival

*This dining experience took place in September 2016.

For Food & Wine Festival Gluten Free marketplace booth options, be sure to click over to the marketplace booth page for more info.

The Ireland marketplace booth at the 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival has been at the festival for several years now. For the last few years, they've had one gluten free dish -- Warm Chocolate Pudding with Irish Cream Liqueur Custard.Because this booth is NOT 100% gluten free, there is always an increased risk of cross-contamination. Use your own judgement when consuming items that are not in dedicated gluten free booths (this year only Brazil and the Greenhouse Guru have entirely gluten free food items).My family and I split the Warm Chocolate Pudding with Irish Cream Liqueur Custard. This dish is gluten free and does contain dairy. Because I've been re-introducing a bit of dairy back into my diet, I decided to try a few bites.This dessert is very rich. If you like Irish cream, you will absolutely love it. I personally preferred the Red Wine Chocolate Truffle from the Chocolate Studio, but this was a nice dessert option. I probably won't get this dessert at Ireland again -- but that's because of personal preference, not because it wasn't tasty. It's a nice option, just not my personal favorite.What do you think of the Ireland Marketplace Booth? Would you order the Warm Chocolate Pudding?

9/17/16 9/17/16

Australia Marketplace Booth at 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival

*This dining experience took place in September 2016.

For Food & Wine Festival Gluten Free marketplace booth options, be sure to click over to the marketplace booth page for more info.

The Australia marketplace booth at the 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival is a favorite having been at the festival for many years. With several gluten free options, it's a spot that I usually stop at least once during the Food & Wine Festival. This year, there are two dishes listed as gluten free.Because this booth is NOT 100% gluten free, there is always an increased risk of cross-contamination. Use your own judgement when consuming items that are not in dedicated gluten free booths (this year only Brazil and the Greenhouse Guru have entirely gluten free food items).I ended up ordering the Grilled Sweet and Spicy Bush Berry Shrimp with Pineapple, Pepper, Onion, and Snap Peas. I got this last year, and really enjoyed it. It's a gluten free and dairy free dish with lots of flavor and a bit of spice.I love the sweet and spiciness of it. If you're not a big spice fan, you may want to avoid this or make sure you have lots of water on hand. While it wasn't super spicy, I did need to get a drink of water afterwards.Overall, I love this dish and really like the Australia booth. It's an easy go-to and one I'll definitely be visiting again this year.What do you think of the Australia Marketplace Booth? What dish do you want to try?

9/17/16 9/17/16

Greenhouse Guru Marketplace Booth at 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival

*This dining experience took place in September 2016.

For Food & Wine Festival Gluten Free marketplace booth options, be sure to click over to the marketplace booth page for more info.

The Greenhouse Guru at Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival is one of the new marketplace booth offerings this year. Sponsored by Village Farms, all of the dishes highlight tomatoes. I'm not a huge fan of tomatoes, but I couldn't help but visit this booth because it is 100% gluten free (even the alcohol is gluten free).Greenhouse Guru and Brazil are the only two booths where the food offerings are all gluten free, which makes them both better options for those gluten free guests concerned with potential cross-contamination.The risks at these booths are greatly reduced because there is no gluten present in any of the dishes, though it is important to note that all food is prepared in catering kitchens where gluten may be found.Of the three dishes at this booth, I was most interested the Chilled Tomato Gazpacho with Lump Crab Meat. It sounded delicious and refreshing while touring the parks on a hot Florida afternoon.My stepdad ordered the Heirloom Tomato Salad with Goat Cheese, Aged Balsamic Vinegar and Micro-Basil, and he let me sample it.I liked it well enough. If you're lactose free and can tolerate goat's milk cheese, this might be a dish to try. It's light and refreshing, but you really have to be a tomato lover to enjoy it. I liked the balsamic vinegar, but it's not enough to make me order it myself personally.I ordered the Chilled Tomato Gazpacho with Lump Crab Meat which is both gluten free and dairy free. I absolutely loved this dish. It was super refreshing and very light. It was perfect for a hot day. The gazpacho was nicely seasoned and not too spicy, and the crab meat was the perfect topping for it. I would definitely get this again.On another visit, Brandon and I stopped by and tried the Duck Confit with Creamy Polenta and Fire-Roasted Salsa. Although, I'm partial to the Gazpacho, this may be hands down the best gluten free dish I've had this year at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival.So rich and delicious, the polenta added even more richness to the already rich duck. I'm really not a big duck fan, but this was insanely good. It was so tender that the duck literally fell apart almost like pulled pork. The fire-roasted salsa was a nice addition to the dish too.This dish does contain dairy and can't be modified to remove it, but if you can have dairy, it's definitely worth getting!Also on display at the Greenhouse Guru are tomato plants from Living with the Land. When Brandon and I went on the Behind the Seeds Tour there recently, our tour guide told us this would be on display during Food & Wine, so it was nice to see it! It's also pretty impressive to see this massive tomato plant display.Overall, I'd definitely go to Greenhouse Guru again. I loved the gazpacho and the duck confit and hope to get them at least one more time before the festival is over.What do you think of the Greenhouse Guru Marketplace Booth? What dish do you want to try?

9/16/16 9/16/16

Islands of the Caribbean Marketplace Booth at 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival

*This dining experience took place in September 2016.

For Food & Wine Festival Gluten Free marketplace booth options, be sure to click over to the marketplace booth page for more info.

New to the 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival is Islands of the Caribbean, a booth that highlights favorites from your favorite Caribbean islands. The booth has one gluten free item -- the Mojo Pork. It also has a Frozen Mojito which I had been looking forward to trying.Because this booth is NOT 100% gluten free, there is always an increased risk of cross-contamination. Use your own judgement when consuming items that are not in dedicated gluten free booths (this year only Brazil and the Greenhouse Guru have entirely gluten free food items).The booth is located in the spot that was a location for Puerto Rico in years past. In fact, it will look very similar to that set-up. The views while you wait in line are gorgeous, and I even caught a sunset rainbow while looking around here.The marketplace booth area is quite large, and you'll have plenty to explore. There is a good amount of tables and areas to enjoy your food, but it's a very popular booth and can get busy quickly.Like the signs I found in the Islands of the Caribbean marketplace booth said, I fell in love with Mojo Pork too.The Mojo Pork served with Black Beans, Cilantro Rice, and Pickled Red Onions is gluten free. Because I have been re-introducing dairy back into my diet, I did not ask if it was dairy free due to the crowds. But, I will be going back during a slower time to double-check, as I suspect that it is.I really enjoyed this dish. The roasted pork was simple but delicious and perfect with the pickled red onions. The rice and beans were good, and the beans almost had a slight vinegar taste to them. They were very different from the black beans I got at the Brazil booth. I think I preferred the Crispy Pork Belly in Brazil over the one in the Islands of the Caribbean, but it was still really good.The Frozen Mojito was delicious, though a very small size for $9.50. I would probably try the Caribbean Sangria if I visited this booth again (which is pretty likely).I do wish there had been more options at this booth, but I definitely enjoyed what I ordered there.What do you think of the Islands of the Caribbean Marketplace Booth? What dish do you want to try?

9/16/16 9/16/16

The Chocolate Studio Marketplace Booth at 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival

*This dining experience took place in September 2016.

For Food & Wine Festival Gluten Free marketplace booth options, be sure to click over to the marketplace booth page for more info.

New to the 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival is the Chocolate Studio, a marketplace booth dedicated to one of my favorite things in the world...CHOCOLATE!Thankfully, if you're gluten free you can get your chocolate fix at the Chocolate Studio thanks to two gluten free dishes on the menu.Because this booth is NOT 100% gluten free, there is always an increased risk of cross-contamination. But, one thing I like about this booth is that all of the desserts are almost entirely pre-prepared in a commercial catering kitchen, so there's less chance of a risk at the booth itself. Still, use your own judgement when consuming items that are not in dedicated gluten free booths (this year only Brazil and the Greenhouse Guru have entirely gluten free food items).I love the decor of the Chocolate Studio. It fits in nicely with the Wine & Dine Studio next door (which sadly is not as gluten free friendly).They have some really cool displays on hand too. and you learn a bit about flavors from chocolate.Brandon and I decided to get the Red Wine Chocolate Truffle and Justin Cabernet Sauvignon.The Red Wine Chocolate Truffle is gluten free, but does contain dairy. Because I've been re-introducing a bit of dairy back into my diet, I thought the smaller truffle portion might be better than getting the Liquid Nitro Chocolate-Almond Truffle. On the next visit, I may try that as it looked really delicious.Both of us really loved the truffle. You could taste the red wine in the truffle, but neither of us found it to be really overpowering. It paired really well with our Justin Cabernet Sauvignon which was a nice earthy red wine. We got another the Michael David Winery Seven Deadly Zins Zinfadel (another red wine) when we visited the Wine & Dine Studio and preferred the Justin Cabernet Sauvignon at the Chocolate Studio.Overall, if you have a chocolate craving, the Chocolate Studio will do nicely. If you love a rich chocolate experience, the Red Wine Chocolate Truffle is an excellent option. It's a must get again this festival for both of us.What do you think of the Chocolate Studio Marketplace Booth? What chocolate dish do you want to try?

9/16/16 9/16/16

Brazil Marketplace Booth at 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival

*This dining experience took place in September 2016.

For Food & Wine Festival Gluten Free marketplace booth options, be sure to click over to the marketplace booth page for more info.

The Brazil marketplace booth at Epcot's Food & Wine Festival has been one of my favorites for the past several years. The options here have been mostly gluten free at this booth for the last few years making it a great go-to spot for GF visitors.This year, Brazil's food offerings are all gluten free. The only non-GF item at the booth appears to be a beer option. This is actually great news for those of us who are concerned with potential cross-contamination, as it greatly reduces the risks.On our first night, this was a must visit for me!Brandon and I decided to split the Crispy Pork Belly served with Black Beans and Tomato, the Brazilian Cheese Bread, and each get a drink. I chose the Carnaval Moscato Sparkling White Wine, which was a little sweet and the perfect way to cap off our evening.The Crispy Pork Belly served with Black Beans and Tomato was delicious. This is both a gluten free and dairy free dish and hands down a favorite festival dish for me from years past. I love the crispiness of the pork belly with the creaminess of the black beans. The tomatoes and onions add some texture and a bit of acid to the dish.The one big challenge with this dish is the cooking of the pork belly. I've had really amazing versions and really gross ones. This time, we both raved about the crispy pork belly, as it was perfectly cooked.The Brazilian Cheese Bread is a gluten free favorite for many Food & Wine Festival visitors. This is not dairy free, as it contains both milk and cheese. Because I've been re-introducing a bit of dairy back into my diet, I did try this. I really enjoyed it and would definitely consider getting again. It seemed a fair price for the portion size and was nice to split.Overall, the Brazil booth is one of my favorite booths of the Epcot Food & Wine Festival. It's also one of the few that is almost entirely gluten free. This makes it a must visit for any gluten free guest going to the Epcot Food & Wine Festival.What do you think of the Brazil Marketplace Booth? What dish do you want to try?

9/13/16 9/13/16

2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival Vegetarian and Vegan Offerings

With the 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival beginning September 14, 2016 and going through November 14, 2016, vegetarian and vegan diners have the chance to enjoy a variety of dishes for a full 2 months.Here is a listing of the current vegetarian and vegan menu items with prices and Disney Dining Plan Snack eligibility based on information from my personal visits to the Epcot Food & Wine Festival along with info from the Disney Food Blog and AllEars.net.Please note this is NOT the Gluten Free (and other special dietary needs) List. Please check the blog's Gluten Free Food & Wine Festival Offerings page for more info on those dishes.

Make sure to click on the individual pages for each booth to see food photos and find out more information.

Lamington: Yellow Cake Dipped in Chocolate and Shredded Coconut – $3.00, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian

Belgium

Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream – $3.75, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian
Belgian Waffle with Warm Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Cream – $3.75, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian

Brazil

Pao de Queijo – Brazilian cheese bread - $3.75, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian (also Gluten Free)

The Chew Collective

Ricotta and Zucchini Ravioli with Rustic Tomato Sauce – $4.75, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian

Chocolate Studio

Red Wine Chocolate Truffle – $2.25, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian (also Gluten Free)
Ghirardelli® Chocolate Raspberry Torte – $4.00, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian

Craft Beers

Pimento Cheese Dip with Pretzel Crisps – $3.50, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian

Farm Fresh

Pickled Beet Salad with Herbed Goat Cheese, Minus 8 Vinaigrette and Toasted Walnuts – $3.75, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian (also Gluten Free)

France

Crème Brûlée Caramel Chocolat: Caramel and Chocolate Crème Brûlée topped with Caramelized Sugar – $4.25, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian (also Gltuen Free)

Germany

Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce – $3.75, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian

Greece

Vegan Loaded Greek “Nachos”: Pita Chips, Meatless Sausage Crumbles, and Vegan Tzatziki – $4.50, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian, Vegan
Oikos Greek Yogurt Vanilla Cake Soaked in Ouzo with Yogurt Whipped Cream and Pistachios – $3.50, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian
Spanakopita – $4.25, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian

Greenhouse Guru hosted by Village Farms

Heirloom Tomato Salad with Goat Cheese, Aged Balsamic Vinegar, and Micro-Basil – $4.00, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian (also Gluten Free)
Mini San Marzano Tomatoes — a 5-ounce bag – $4.75, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian, Vegan (also Gluten Free)

Hops & Barley

Freshly Baked Carrot Cake and Cream Cheese Icing – $3.75, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian

Intermissions Cafe

Caprese Salad: BelGioioso® Fresh Mozzarella Cheese & Tomatoes with Basil Pesto – $5.49, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian
Side Salad – $4.49, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian
Fruit and Cheese Plate – $6.69, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian
Grapes – $3.79, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian
Brownie – $2.99, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian
Key Lime Pie – $4.19, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian

Ireland

Irish Cheese Selection Plate: Irish Cheddar, Dubliner and Irish Porter – $4.25, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian
Warm Chocolate Pudding with Irish Cream Liqueur Custard – $3.75, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian (also Gluten Free)

Islands of the Caribbean

Quesito: Puff Pastry with Sweetened Cream Cheese and Guava Sauce – $3.75, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian

Italy

Cannoli al Cioccolato: Chocolate-covered Cannoli filled with Sweet Ricotta, Chocolate and Candied Fruit – $4.25, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian

Japan

Grilled Spicy Edamame tossed with Sesame Oil, Soy Sauce and Chili Powder – $4.75, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian, Vegan (*On the Go in MCO shared this information via Twitter)

Morocco

Spicy Hummus Fries with Cucumber, Tomato, Onions and Tzatziki Sauce – $5.00, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian
Chocolate Baklava: Rolled Phyllo Dough with Toasted Almonds and Dark Chocolate Sauce – $3.95, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian

Refreshment Port

Pineapple Dole Whip Soft-Serve Ice Cream – $4.19, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian (*Note: Dole Whips are also gluten free, dairy free, vegan and free of the top 8 common allergens but is not listed as such on the passport)
Croissant Doughnut with Cinnamon and Sugar – $4.99, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian

Scotland

The Tipsy Laird: Whiskey-soaked Cake with Lemon Cream and Toasted Oats – $3.50, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian

South Korea

Vegan Korean BBQ with Steamed Rice and Cucumber Kimchi featuring Gardein™ Beefless Tips – $4.75, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian, Vegan

Wine and Dine Studio

Trio of Artisan Cheese – $5.00, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian
- La Bonne Vie Goat Cheese served with toasted Craisin Bread
- Karst Cave-aged Cheddar Cheese served with Fig Compote
- Statesboro Blue Cheese served with Spiced Candied Walnuts

Stay tuned to sources like the Disney Food Blog and here on Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW for the latest 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival news!What are you most looking forward to this year at Food & Wine Festival?

9/13/16 9/13/16

2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival Gluten Free Offerings

It's that time of year when Epcot's International Food & Wine Festival takes place. Held on September 14, 2016 through November 14, 2016, this year's Festival is even longer than it was last year.Here is a listing of the current gluten free menu items with prices and Disney Dining Plan Snack eligibility based on information from my personal visits to the Epcot Food & Wine Festival along with info from the Disney Food Blog and AllEars.net.

Make sure to click on the individual pages for each booth to see food photos and find out more information.

I've indicated known special dietary needs (at this time). This list will change as more information is gathered.*Note: Menus are subject to change, as is any information regarding ingredients, cross-contamination, and other special dietary needs ingredients. Always consult with the Disney culinary team for more information before consuming. Use caution when consuming any food from marketplace booths, as there is an increased risk of cross-contamination. Marketplace booths do not adhere to Disney's traditional special dietary needs accommodations, particularly for allergies and/or celiac disease. Africa

Berbere-style beef tenderloin tips with onions, jalapeños, tomato, and pap – $5.00, DDP Snack Eligible - Gluten-Free

Australia

Grilled sweet and spicy bush berry shrimp with pineapple, peppers, onions, and snap peas – $5.00, DDP Snack Eligible - Gluten Free, Dairy Free
Grilled lamb chop with mint pesto and potato crunchies – $7.25, DDP Snack Eligible - Gluten-Free

Brazil

Escondidinho de Carne “Little Hidden One”: Layered Meat Pie with Mash Yucca – $5.00, DDP Snack Eligible - Gluten Free
Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, and Tomato – $5.50, DDP Snack Eligible - Gluten Free, Dairy Free
Pao de Queijo – Brazilian cheese bread – $3.75, DDP Snack Eligible - Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Canada

“Le Cellier” wild mushroom beef filet mignon with truffle butter sauce – $7.75, DDP Snack Eligible - Gluten Free

The CHEW Collective

Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Mousse with a Caramel Drizzle – $3.25, DDP Snack Eligible - Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Chocolate Studio

Liquid Nitro Chocolate Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey Caramel – $4.50, DDP Snack Eligible - Gluten Free
Red Wine Chocolate Truffle – $2.25, DDP Snack Eligible - Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Farm Fresh

Pickled Beet Salad with Herbed Goat Cheese, Minus 8 Vinaigrette and Toasted Walnuts – $3.75, DDP Snack Eligible - Gluten Free, Vegetarian

France

Creme Brulee Caramel Chocolat: Caramel and Chocolate Creme Brulee topped with Caramelized Sugar - Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Greenhouse Guru hosted by Village Farms

Duck Confit with Creamy Polenta and Fire-roasted Salsa – $5.25, DDP Snack Eligible - Gluten Free
Heirloom Tomato Salad with Goat Cheese, Aged Balsamic Vinegar, and Micro-Basil – $4.00, DDP Snack Eligible - Gluten Free, Lactose Free (contains non-cow's milk cheese), Vegetarian
Chilled Tomato Gazpacho with Lump Crab Meat – $4.50, DDP Snack Eligible - Gluten Free, Dairy Free
Mini San Marzano Tomatoes — a 5-ounce bag – $4.75, DDP Snack Eligible - Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegetarian, Vegan

Ireland

Warm chocolate pudding with Irish Cream Liqueur Custard – $3.75, DDP Snack Eligible - Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Islands of the Caribbean

Mojo Pork with Black Beans, Cilantro Rice, and Pickled Red Onions – $4.25, DDP Snack Eligible - Gluten Free, Dairy Free

Patagonia

Grilled beef skewer with chimichurri sauce and boniato purée – $5.75, DDP Snack Eligible - Gluten Free
Roasted Verlasso salmon with quinoa salad and arugula chimichurri – $5.50, DDP Snack Eligible - Gluten Free, Dairy Free

Refreshment Port

Pineapple Dole Whip Soft-Serve Ice Cream – $4.19, DDP Snack Eligible - Vegetarian (*Note: Dole Whips are also gluten free, dairy free, vegan and free of the top 8 common allergens but is not listed as such on the passport. Please consult with a Disney cast member to ensure this is safe for your special dietary need.)

3/30/16 3/30/16

Florida Fresh — 2016 Flower & Garden Festival Booth

*This dining experience took place in March 2016.Please note that the Flower & Garden Festival booths have increased risks of cross contamination.Florida Fresh has been an Epcot Flower & Garden Festival staple for several years now. Last year, it had two dishes I didn't try - the Watermelon Salad (I really dislike watermelon) and the shrimp and grits (which contained dairy).This year, they have two items on their menu that are marked gluten free:

Kale salad with dried cherries, almonds, goat cheese and white balsamic vinaigrette –Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Lactose Free (confirmed lactose free and can be made dairy free by removing cheese by Sarah on March 2, 2016)
Shrimp and stone ground grits with andouille sausage, sweet corn, tomatoes, and cilantro – Gluten Free

Because I have been introducing some dairy into my diet, I've learned that I can tolerate goat cheese with no issues, and so I decided to get the Kale Salad. I was told that you can easily order the salad without the cheese to make it both dairy free and vegan too.Overall, I really liked this salad. I loved the dried cherries, the crunch of the sliced almonds and the kale. It wasn't overpowering or overly dressed, which was also nice. It was light and refreshing and even those who might not think they'd like it would probably enjoy it. This is a salad I'd definitely get again.I've heard a few people say that the shrimp and grits are also dairy free this year, which seems unlikely, but I will also be stopping by the booth soon to confirm whether or not it contains dairy.Read about the gluten free Epcot Flower & Garden Festival options on my main festival page, and you can also check out Gluten Free in Orlando’s festival page too.Looking for even more fun? Check out my YouTube video walkthroughs of the Festival!

3/30/16 3/30/16

Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market — 2016 Flower & Garden Festival Booth

*This dining experience took place in March 2016.Please note that the Flower & Garden Festival booths have increased risks of cross contamination.The Bauernmarkt is a new booth for this year's Flower & Garden Festival. They have one item on their menu that is marked gluten free:

Currywurst with paprika chips – roasted bratwurst with curry ketchup and paprika-spiced chips – Gluten Free, Dairy Free (confirmed dairy free by Sarah on March 2, 2016)

Trying this dish, I will say that I was not a big fan of it. I love condiments, and I also love curry ketchup. But, I was not feeling this one. Plus, it was put on too heavily -- something I never thought I'd say as the condiment queen!I liked the bratwurst but found the ketchup to be overpowering (and I also adore curry). I also thought the paprika chips were overly seasoned.I think my biggest complaint was that the dish was overly sauced, overly seasoned and had too many big bold flavors competing with one another.Props for the super cute Epcot swizzle stick that accompanied the dish but overall, this was not a dish I'd get again. Still, I love that the booth had a gluten free and dairy free option.Read about the gluten free Epcot Flower & Garden Festival options on my main festival page, and you can also check out Gluten Free in Orlando’s festival page too.Looking for even more fun? Check out my YouTube video walkthroughs of the Festival!

3/30/16 3/30/16

La Isla Fresca — 2016 Flower & Garden Festival Booth

*This dining experience took place in March 2016.Please note that the Flower & Garden Festival booths have increased risks of cross contamination.La Isla Fresca is a new booth this year to the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival. They have one item on their menu that is marked gluten free:

Jerk-spice grouper or chicken with mango salsa, chayote and green papaya slaw with lime-cilantro vinaigrette – Gluten Free, Dairy Free (confirmed dairy free by Sarah on March 2, 2016)

I was excited about this dish, as I love spicy food, and I love fish. I also liked that they offered the option of chicken or grouper. I've now tried both the chicken and grouper.I will say that the fish I've had here was a bit overcooked but overall really delicious. I loved the mango salsa and even really enjoyed the slaw. I found it to be light and refreshing! A great choice. It also wasn't overly spicy, so if you think it might be too spicy, you might be surprised to find it a bit mild.The chicken was also a good option and great for those that do not like fish. It was a bit on the tough side, but I liked that it was boneless chicken, which made it easier to cut and eat. Overall, I prefer the combination of grouper with the accompaniments, but both the chicken and fish are great options.This is definitely a dish I will get again at the festival!Read about the gluten free Epcot Flower & Garden Festival options on my main festival page, and you can also check out Gluten Free in Orlando’s festival page too.Looking for even more fun? Check out my YouTube video walkthroughs of the Festival!